Environmental Interpretation

Transcription

1 Environmental Interpretation What is environmental interpretation? "An educational activity which aims to reveal meanings and relationships through the use of original objects, by firsthand experience, and by illustrative media, rather than simply to communicate factual information» (Tilden F., 1977, Interpreting Our Heritage, Chapel Hill) It is interpretation, not translation. We use it to share Nature with other people. It is a form of communication. Interpretation does not aim at documentation. Documentation is the aim of scientific research, but it is not interpretation. 1

2 The six principles of interpretation (Tilden 1977): 1. Any interpretation that does not somehow relate what is being displayed or described to something within the personality or experience of the visitor will be sterile. 2. Information, as such, is not Interpretation. Interpretation is revelation based upon information. But they are entirely different things. However, all interpretation includes information. 3. Interpretation is an art, which combines many arts, whether the materials presented are scientific, historical or architectural. Any art is in some degree teachable. 4. The chief aim of interpretation is not instruction, but provocation. 5. Interpretation should aim to present a whole rather than a part, and must address itself to the whole man rather than any phase. 6. Interpretation addressed to children (say, up to the age of twelve) should not be a dilution of the presentation to adults, but should follow a fundamentally different approach. To be at its best it will require a separate program 2

3 How do we use interpretation? When preparing the interpretative material (information centers, brochures, thematic signs, educational activities, interpretative tours etc.), we always have in mind to: stimulate people's interest for the environment, encourage them to observe themselves, illuminate the meaning and the processes that usually pass unnoticed, link natural processes with information familiar to anyone. 3

4 An Information Centre consists of thematic exhibits Each thematic exhibit is autonomous and has its own theme. A thematic exhibit presents few and hierarchically organized issues. Neighbouring thematic exhibits function cooperatively. 4

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7 Interactive games instead of teaching I forget what I read, I remember what I do. Interactive exhibits can be made economically, if electronics or moving parts are avoided. 7

8 Educational activities for all ages Educational activities require participation and provide an opportunity for action. Activities add an interactive twist to an information centre or interpretative tour. A group of activities cover many topics and are addressed to people of different ages. Some activities have words, others have pictures. Some activities take place indoors, others outdoors. Some activities exercise the body, other address mostly the mind. Some activities require cooperation among participants. Some activities familiarize with scientific methods. Some activities reveal the complexity of the world. Some activities raise awareness on the consequences of our actions. Some activities stimulate the imagination. Some activities do not have one correct solution, but many. 8

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10 Interpretative tours A tour combines interpretation with personal experience. A trail network may have routes on varied themes or addressing different needs. A circular trail does not require a return route. Trail interpretation may use thematic signs, organized tours or both. Each thematic sign focuses on an easily observable feature and has an inventive title. The signs reveal hidden order, show differences, illuminate hidden relationships. Each thematic sign is an invitation to discovery and may guide to a revelation. 10

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12 Download links Booklet on riparian zones: Public awareness material of the project ICOSTACY LIFE09/NAT/CY/ (educational activities, interpretation signs etc): 12